Full Breakdown
Heywood Memorial Gardens Protest Set for July 11 Amid Council Relocation Request
7/11/2026, 1:08:25 AM
Scheduled Demonstration
The group Heywood HMO Protesters plans to hold a protest at Heywood Memorial Gardens on Saturday, July 11. Organisers, led by Jamie Thomason—who also founded the Heywood Community Guard—have advertised the event on Facebook, displaying banners that read “save our children,” “stop the boats” and “close the HMOs.” The protest targets planned houses of multiple occupation (HMOs) in the area, which the group fears could be used to house illegal immigrants, although the sources note there is no substantial evidence to support that claim. Guest speakers include Marlon West, Restore Britain’s Greater Manchester mayoral candidate, and Ashlea Simon, former co-leader of Britain First.
Council Request to Relocate the Demonstration
Rochdale Council publicly asked the organisers to move the protest to an alternative venue, arguing that the memorial gardens are “a dedicated place of remembrance… for reflection and commemoration.” The council’s spokesperson emphasized that the request “is not directed at any particular group or cause” and cited past practice of protecting the dignity of memorial sites. Council officials also indicated they anticipate a “heavy police presence” to ensure order.
Organisers’ Response
Thomason’s Facebook post rejected the council’s appeal, asserting the protest will be “100 per cent respectful and peaceful like the last two protests.” He urged participants to “be on your best behaviour and remain peaceful,” while emphasizing community solidarity and a determination to “stick together.” The group maintains that the protest will proceed at the memorial gardens as scheduled.
Political and Community Criticism
Labour MP Elsie Blundell, representing Heywood and Middleton North, condemned the involvement of Restore Britain and Britain First, stating the memorial gardens “are about quiet reflection – not politics” and should not host a political rally. Local veterans’ groups echoed the council’s view, supporting the notion that the gardens should remain solely for remembrance.
Verbatim Quotes
- “A spokesperson for Rochdale council said: “We have asked the organiser of a planned protest due to take place at Heywood Memorial Gardens on Saturday, July 11 to consider relocating the event to an alternative venue.” — Rochdale Council spokesperson
- “We hope the organisers will carefully consider this request and agree to hold the protest elsewhere.” — Rochdale Council spokesperson
- “Why on earth are Restore and Britain First trying to hold a political rally in our memorial gardens? The place is about quiet reflection – not politics. They should be ashamed.” — Elsie Blundell, MP
- “I have told them that we will be 100 per cent respectful and peaceful like the last two protests and we are there to stand firm and show our community spirit and oneness!” — Jamie Thomason, protest organiser
